Travel & Leisure recently released its list of the “25 Best Beaches in the USA,” which included two unexpected entries from New York City. Despite the coastal gem of Long Island being a constant contender for the nation’s nicest beaches, it was notably snubbed from the list. Brooklyn’s Coney Island and Rockaway Beach in Queens were praised for their miles of boardwalk and sandy entertainment options, being awarded the same prestige as beaches in Hawaii and California.
Coney Island was described as a “seaside wonderland of nostalgia and kitschy fun,” with attractions such as amusement parks, games, and the iconic Cyclone roller coaster. The beach is also in close proximity to the New York Aquarium, adding to its charm. Access to volleyball and basketball courts were highlighted as additional factors that set Coney Island and Rockaway apart from other beaches.
Despite not being mentioned in the ranking, a visit to the original Nathan’s Famous on Stillwell Avenue is a must for any Coney Island visitor. Additionally, catching a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game at Maimonides Park was noted as a fun experience, especially with the backdrop of a stunning sundown over the Atlantic Ocean and Luna Park. The ballpark even made an appearance in the video game “Spider-Man 2” as a true NYC icon.
Rockaway Beach in Queens, known as The Ramones’ favorite beach, underwent a major renovation in 2022, including a $50 million facelift for the 1932 art deco Jacob Riis bathhouse. The area has also seen the rise of vintage shops, food trucks, and trendy bars in recent years. The opening of the luxurious Rockaway Hotel and pool further added to the beach’s appeal, making it a posh destination for visitors.
Long Island’s Coopers Beach in South Hampton, which has often been featured in other top beach lists and was ranked third best in the US in a previous year, was notably absent from Travel & Leisure’s list. Fire Island National Seashore, a popular spot for Long Islanders and city visitors, also did not make the cut. However, Park Point Beach in Duluth, Minnesota was included in the list, showcasing a diverse range of beach locations across the country.
Other East Coast beaches that made the list included Ocean Beach Park in New London, Connecticut, Watch Hill in Rhode Island, Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Asbury Park in New Jersey, and Ocean City, Maryland. Watch Hill, home to Taylor Swift’s oceanfront mega-mansion, and Asbury Park, known for its rock legacy with venues like The Stone Pony, were highlighted as notable beach destinations. Good Harbor Beach, near the setting of “The Perfect Storm,” was chosen over popular Cape Cod destinations.
